Ruderalis, Sativa & Indica: Effects & Applications
The Swedish botanist and naturalist Carolus Linnaeus first classified the Cannabis Sativa variety (‘common hemp’) in 1753. The French developmental biologist and zoologist, Jean Baptiste de Lamarck, discovered another variety in India in 1744. This was very different from the well-known strain and de Lamarck gave it the name Cannabis Indica (‘Indian hemp’). In 1926, the Russian botanist Dimitrij E. Janischwesky discovered the cultivar ruderalis (‘ruderal hemp’).
Today, many experts are discussing whether such a concrete classification is even possible. Some view cannabis as a plant that can be divided into three distinct genera (Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Ruderalis). Others believe that there’s only one strain, Cannabis Sativa, and the other two are just subspecies. This article assumes that cannabis can be divided into three types of hemp. Each type of hemp has its own characteristics that make it special.
The intake of Cannabis Sativa is said to produce a mood-enhancing effect that can be combined well with physical activity, parties, and creativity. In contrast, cannabis Indica and cannabis ruderalis are said to have a relaxing effect and are more likely to induce a strong physical high.
Just FYI, whatever the strain: at Down To Earth we sell only high-quality CBD oil online in Australia.
Sativa Cannabis – The Strain of the Creative
Cannabis sativa plants need a constant tropical climate, the countries of origin are Thailand, Jamaica, Colombia, and Mexico. They develop into airy-looking cannabis specimens up to 5m tall during the vegetative stage. The plant’s appearance is characterized by thinner leaves and wider gaps between the leaf nodes. The flowering time of the Sativa plant is 16 weeks on average. Sativas are still regular cannabis trees and are mostly grown outdoors. Classic Sativa plants always produce fluffy, airy buds.
One of the most well-known Sativa varieties is called Haze and is considered one of the masterpieces of cannabis breeding and can therefore be described as a representative of the Sativas. A harmonious mix of complementary equatorial genotypes, it’s considered by many to be the purest and most potent Sativa variety ever bred.
Sativas are high in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Read more about TCH here) and low in Cannabidiol (CBD). The Sativa-dominant effects increase central nervous system activity and energize the mind. Before buying CBD oil online in Australia, it’s essential to consult your doctor to make sure that the products are beneficial for you!
Sativa Effects
- Top-heavy high
- Stimulating, activating, motivating
- Seems inspiring
- Increases alertness
- Promotes appetite
- Improves well-being and concentration
Indica Cannabis – Pure Relaxation
Indica cannabis was first discovered in India, hence the name. However, Indica strains also grow in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Lebanon. The most well-known comes from the Hindu Kush and is a popular strain among growers.
The Indica plant can reach a maximum height of up to 2m, but it grows faster and puts its energy into producing the buds. This plant has a short flowering time of 6 to 9 weeks. Yields vary between 400 and 600g/m2 depending on whether you grow her indoors or outdoors. It also looks very different from its Sativa relative and is easily mistaken for a bush. The plants feature broader and darker leaves to capture more light. Lots of thick buds and short branches are another feature of the Indica plant.
Indica Effects
- Relieves anxiety
- Helps with tension and stress
- Has a calming and relaxing effect
- Has a sleep-inducing effect
- Can relieve migraines
Ruderalis – The New One
The name of the plant comes from the Latin rudus (rubble). The origin of ruderalis is in central Russia, where so-called ruderal hemp was discovered in 1929. However, this type of hemp is also found in Central Europe and Central Asia. For a long time, the plant was considered a wild plant and has therefore paid little attention to it.
This species only grows 50-100 cm tall and has fewer leaves compared to Indica and Sativa strains. Above all, it’s very robust and cold-resistant. Breeders have taken advantage of these benefits and like to use the plant for crossbreeding. The ruderalis has an auto-flowering trait. This means that this plant can automatically switch from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase, while most strains are dependent on a photoperiod. The flowering time is 3-7 weeks, yet the buds themselves are very small. The psychoactive substance (THC) is also contained in small amounts compared to the other two known types of hemp. However, it’s a reasonable amount of CBD and is thus used for medicinal purposes.
Hybrids – Crosses Between the Hemp Species
Nowadays almost all cannabis strains that you can buy are hybrids. The breeders are constantly striving to combine the best characteristics of the aforementioned species in order to create new varieties.
This is how, for example, strains that induce a high from a Sativa-dominant strain, but only grow like an Indica-dominant species, can come about. The possibilities are endless. Because all types of hemp have been mixed over the years, it isn’t always possible to clearly separate the varieties.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the origin of CBD products is crucial not only for the manufacturers but also for the customers. Buying CBD oil online and other CBD products in Australia has never been easier but you must make sure of the product’s quality before making a purchase.
At Down To Earth, we ensure that our products are the best by having them tested by independent labs. Check the lab reports here. All our customers say that we sell the best CBD oil online in Australia, you can see their reviews here.
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